Polyhedral Lighting Control Interface for Color and Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting control systems are not intuitive for managing light sources with a wide spectrum, as they lack an easy method to control both color and intensity, making it difficult for users to adjust lighting conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device featuring a user interface in the form of a polyhedron, where the lighting color is controlled by orienting the polyhedron and intensity by rotating it, with sensors to generate output signals for the lighting unit, allowing for easy and intuitive control of lighting settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional control methods (switching on/off or dimming) are used for light sources with wide spectrum, then the control system remains simple, but the ability to control lighting color is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into discrete color options represented by different sides of the polyhedron. Each side corresponds to a specific lighting color, breaking down the continuous color spectrum into manageable segments that are easy to select and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface transitions from a traditional one-dimensional (on/off or dimming slider) to a three-dimensional polyhedral object. This dimensional change allows multiple color parameters to be controlled simultaneously through spatial orientation, adding versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control parameters (color and intensity) are integrated into a single interface, then control versatility improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions (color selection and intensity adjustment) are merged into a single polyhedral interface. The color is controlled by orienting the polyhedron to different sides, while intensity is controlled by rotating the polyhedron, combining both controls in one physical object rather than requiring separate controls.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions or aspects of the polyhedron serve different control functions. The orientation of the polyhedron (which side is facing up) controls color, while the rotation angle controls intensity. This local differentiation allows multiple functions to coexist in a single interface without confusion.
3Ease of operation
If a polyhedral physical object is used for control, then ease of operation improves through intuitive manipulation, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control interfaces (buttons, sliders, dials) with a polyhedral object that uses gravitational orientation and rotation. Sensors detect the polyhedron's orientation and rotation to determine user input, substituting direct mechanical control with a more intuitive physical interaction that still requires sensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyhedral object serves multiple functions automatically. Its physical orientation and rotation state directly encode the user's control intentions, which are detected by sensors and translated into control signals. The object itself provides the interface structure and control mechanism, reducing the need for additional complex control electronics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to easily select and adjust lighting colors and intensities using a physical object, providing a simple and intuitive method for controlling lighting conditions, enhancing user experience and flexibility in lighting settings.
Implementation Method 1
The orientation sensor may comprise three orthogonally placed acceleration sensors. This is necessary for determining on which side the physical object rests. A well-known orientation sensor is the acceleration sensor, one for each of the three orthogonal directions, which measures the gravitational force in these three directions.
Implementation Method 2
the physical object further comprises a magnetic field sensor for determining the rotation of said physical object. This constitutes an alternative to the acceleration sensors. If a gravity switch is used for establishing the orientation, it is necessary to provide an additional sensor for measuring the rotation. It is suitable to use a magnetic field sensor for this purpose. This type of sensor is used in an electronic compass and is available in the form of an integrated circuit.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lighting device (1) comprising a lighting unit (2) and a user interface (3) for controlling the lighting color and/or intensity of the lighting unit (2). The user interface (3) comprises a physical object (4), which is shaped as a polyhedron, for instance a cube. Orienting the physical object (4), i.e. choosing which side is up, serves to select the color, and rotating the physical object (4) about the side on which it rests serves to change the intensity setting. The user interface (3) generates an output signal, which is the input for a processing unit (9). This processing unit (9) converts this signal into a driving signal suitable for controlling the lighting unit (2).